ADAPTER AND TIP COUPLING SYSTEM

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to retaining mechanisms employed on work implement assemblies such as bucket assemblies used by earth moving, mining, construction equipment and the like for attaching a tip to an adapter of the work implement assembly. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a retaining mechanism that uses a spring attached to a retaining block that interacts with a lock pin to hold a tip onto an adapter.

Background

Machines such as wheel loaders, excavators, and the like employ work implement assemblies including bucket assemblies, rakes, shears, etc. that have teeth or tips attached to them to help perform work on a material such as dirt, rock, sand, etc. For example, teeth or tips may be attached to a bucket assembly to help the bucket assembly to penetrate the ground, facilitating the scooping of the dirt into a bucket. Adapters are often attached to the work edges (e.g. the base edge, the side edge, etc.) of the bucket or other work implement so that different styles of teeth or tips may be attached to the work implement. Also, the tips or teeth may be replaced easily when worn by providing a retaining mechanism that is used to selectively hold the tip onto the adapter or to allow the tip be removed from the adapter.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,084 discloses wear members a digging tooth assembly that has a base nose, a replaceable tooth tip mounted on the base nose, and a pin securing the tip to the nose. The pin includes a locking head eccentric to the pin, and a pad-like resilient member that is placed between the head and the tooth tip. The locking head is rotated so that the resilient member is compressed to urge the tooth tip in a direction such that the tip is maintained in a nose-contacting position. As can be seen, the ‘084 patent does not provide resistance of rotation for the locking pin. Accordingly, there exists a need to develop a retaining mechanism that is less prone to unintentional rotation of the locking pin that may lead to undesired unlocking of the retaining mechanism, increasing the risk of loss of the tip.

Summary of the Disclosure

A tip and adapter assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a tip that includes a body that defines a direction of assembly, a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the direction of assembly, and a lateral axis that is perpendicular to the vertical axis and the direction of assembly. The body of the tip may include a forward working portion disposed along the direction of assembly including a closed end, and a rear attachment portion disposed along the direction of assembly including an open end. The rear attachment portion may define an exterior surface, an adapter nose receiving pocket extending longitudinally from the open end, a retaining mechanism receiving aperture in communication with the adapter nose receiving pocket and the exterior surface, and a first ledge defining a first lateral undercut in the retaining mechanism receiving aperture. The assembly may also include an adapter that includes a body comprising a nose portion that is configured to fit within the adapter nose receiving pocket of the tip. The body of the adapter may include an outer surface defining a polygonal retaining block receiving aperture.

A wear member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a body that defines a longitudinal axis, a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a lateral axis that is perpendicular to the vertical axis and the longitudinal axis. The body of the wear member may also include a forward wear portion disposed along the longitudinal axis, and a rear attachment portion disposed along the longitudinal axis including an open end. The rear attachment portion may define an exterior surface, an adapter nose receiving pocket extending longitudinally from the open end, a retaining mechanism receiving aperture extending from the exterior surface through the body to the adapter nose receiving pocket, and a retaining mechanism receiving aperture lacking threads or other undercuts.

An adapter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a body including a nose portion having an external surface defining a polygonal retaining block receiving aperture with a bottom seat surface, and a pry slot extending from a side of the polygonal retaining block receiving aperture.

A retaining mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a pin including a drive portion, a threaded portion, and a spring engaging portion, wherein the drive portion includes a surface of revolution, defining a radial direction, a circumferential direction, and an axis of rotation. Also, the drive portion may be spaced axially away from the threaded portion, and the threaded portion may be spaced axially away from the spring engaging portion.

A retaining mechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a threaded retaining block that includes an outer perimeter that has a surface of non-revolution, a pin receiving aperture defining an inner surface that is inwardly offset from the surface of non-revolution, and a spring receiving notch that is disposed in the pin receiving aperture.

A lock assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a C-spring including a pin engaging inner circumferential surface defining a radial direction, a circumferential direction, and an axis of pin insertion. A first circumferential end surface, a second circumferential end surface, and a first axial lead-in surface extending axially from the pin engaging inner circumferential surface, and circumferentially from the first circumferential end surface to the second circumferential end surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. l is a perspective view of a work implement assembly such as a bucket assembly using tips, adapters, and retaining mechanisms (may also be referred to as a lock assembly) with components configured according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tip and adapter assembly of FIG. 1 employing a lock assembly, shown in isolation from the work implement assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded assembly view of the tip and adapter assembly as well as a lock assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of an adapter of FIG. 3 shown with the block and spring portion of the lock assembly inserted into the corresponding aperture of the nose portion of the adapter. The tip is also being shown inserted over the nose of the adapter.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of the block and spring disposed in the aperture of the nose portion of the adapter of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view illustrating the lock pin being inserted into the block, the tip, and the adapter of FIG. 4 after the tip has been inserted over the nose of the adapter.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the block and spring of FIG. 5 shown in isolation.

FIG. 8 is an perspective view of the block and spring of FIG. 7, depicting the protrusion of the spring into the central hole of the block.

FIG. 9 is a sectioned exploded assembly view of the block and spring of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a sectioned view of the block and spring of FIG. 9 after being assembled.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the block of FIG. 10, illustrating the flared portion of the perimeter of the block more clearly.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the spring of FIGS. 7 thru 10 shown in isolation.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the spring of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an exploded assembly illustrating the pin of the lock assembly being inserted into the aperture of the tip and the aperture of the block. The bevel of the pin is circumferentially aligned with the spring of the block to start its compression.

FIG. 15 shows the pin of FIG. 14 after axial insertion has begun, and spring compression has begun.

FIG. 16 illustrates the pin of FIG. 15 as its bevel begins to compress the spring.

FIG. 17 depicts the pin of FIG. 16 after full axial insertion has been completed.

FIG. 18 shows that the spring of FIG. 17 is further compressed by the conical draft of the pin.

FIG. 19 shows the pin of FIG. 18 in a locked configuration having been rotated clockwise to its full extent.

FIG. 20 illustrates the pin of FIG. 19 in its locked position with the spring having fallen into its side notch.

FIG. 21 depicts a tab of the pin of FIG. 20 after contacting the stop surface of the tip having been fully locked.

FIG. 22 is side sectional view showing the spring engaging the notch of the pin, and a tab being disposed in the axial or lateral undercut of the tip, preventing the pin’s removal without intentional rotation of the pin in the counterclockwise direction.

FIG. 23 is a front oriented perspective view of the pin of FIG. 22 showing its polygonal drive aperture.

FIG. 24 is a rear oriented perspective view of the pin of FIG. 23 showing the relative circumferential timing of its bevel to its side tabs.

FIG. 25 shows the pin of FIG. 24 revealing the relative circumferential timing of the bevel to the side notch of the pin.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a tip and adapter assembly employing a retaining mechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure including a threaded lock pin, and a threaded retaining block.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the tip of the tip adapter assembly of FIG. 26 with the adapter and retaining mechanism removed. The retaining mechanism receiving aperture is not threaded unlike the earlier embodiments of the present disclosure. Instead, the aperture is configured to receive a round portion of the locking pin

FIG. 28 is an alternate perspective view of the tip and retaining mechanism of FIG. 26 with the adapter removed, showing retaining block more clearly.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the adapter and the retaining mechanism of FIG. 26 with the tip removed for enhanced clarity. The pry slot for removing the threaded retaining block can be seen as well as the round portion of the threaded locking pin.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the adapter of FIG. 29 with the retaining mechanism removed to more clearly show the retaining block receiving aperture of the adapter as well as the pry slot.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the retaining mechanism of FIG. 29 shown in isolation. A side pry notch is shown that may be used with the pry slot of the adapter for removing the threaded retaining block from the adapter.

FIG. 32 shows the threaded lock pin and the C-spring of the retaining mechanism of FIG. 31 without the threaded retaining block.

FIG. 33 is a rear perspective view of the C-spring, and threaded lock pin of FIG. 32, showing the thread of the pin more completely.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the threaded retaining block of FIG. 31 shown in isolation. The C-spring is shown installed in a notch of the block

FIG. 35 is an alternate perspective view of the threaded retaining block of FIG. 34 with the C-spring removed.

FIG. 36 is a top oriented perspective view of the C-spring of FIG.

34 shown in isolation.

FIG. 37 is a bottom oriented perspective view of the C-spring of

FIG. 36. FIG. 38 is a sectional view of the tip and adapter assembly, and the retaining mechanism of FIG. 26 taken along lines 38-38 thereof. The threaded lock pin is shown fully in a locked configuration.

FIG. 39 is a sectional view of the tip and adapter assembly, and the retaining mechanism of FIG. 26 taken along lines 39-39 thereof. The C- spring is shown sitting in the notch of the threaded retaining block, engaging the circumference of the threaded locking pin, providing frictional resistance to unintentional rotation.

FIG. 40 illustrates the beginning of the assembly process to achieve the assembled configuration in FIG. 39. The C-spring is shown being compressed and then inserted into the notch of the threaded retaining block.

FIG. 41 depicts the threaded retaining block being inserted into the pocket of the adapter.

FIG. 42 depicts the tip being slid onto the nose of the adapter of FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 shows the threaded lock pin being inserted into the apertures of the tip and the retaining block.

FIG. 44 shows the threaded lock pin contacting the thread of the retaining block before rotation.

FIG. 45 shows the threaded lock pin of FIG. 44 after being rotated 45 degrees.

FIG. 46 shows the threaded lock pin after having been rotated 180 degrees.

FIG. 47 shows the threaded lock pin of FIG. 42 after having been rotated 225 degrees, forming the locked configuration. The C-shaped spring now sits in the groove disposed near the end of the threaded lock pin.

FIG. 48 shows the retaining mechanism removed from the adapter and tip with the threaded lock pin after being inserted into the aperture of the retaining block after being rotated 45 degrees.

FIG. 49 illustrates further rotation (90 degrees), pulling the threaded pin axially further into the aperture of the retaining block such that the spreading of the C-shaped spring has begun. Specifically, the lead-in surface near the end of the threaded pin has begun to engage the C-shaped spring, spreading it open.

FIG. 50 shows the threaded lock pin after being rotated 135 degrees, the spreading of the C-shaped spring is almost complete.

FIG. 51 shows the threaded lock pin after being rotated 180 degrees. The spreading of the C-shaped spring is complete.

FIG. 52 depicts the threaded lock pin after being rotated 225 degrees. The threaded lock pin is fully pulled into the aperture of the retaining block, and the C-spring has fallen into the spring retaining aperture of disposed near the end of the threaded lock pin. The C-spring now contacts the groove surface, providing circumferential friction that resists unintentional rotation of the threaded lock pin.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. In some cases, a reference number will be indicated in this specification and the drawings will show the reference number followed by a letter for example, 100a, 100b or a prime indicator such as 100’, 100” etc. It is to be understood that the use of letters or primes immediately after a reference number indicates that these features are similarly shaped and have similar function such as is often the case when geometry is mirrored about a plane of symmetry. For ease of explanation in this specification, letters or primes will often not be included herein but may be shown in the drawings to indicate duplications of features discussed within this written specification.

A work implement assembly using tips or any type of wear member that may employ lock assemblies constructed according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will now be discussed. In general terms, a lock assembly is provided for attaching a wear member such a tip to a base such as an adapter that includes a retaining block with a spring attached to the retaining block that fits into an aperture of the base. A lock pin is also provided that fits into the aperture of the wear member, and the aperture of the retaining block, retaining the wear member onto the base. The lock pin engages the spring that prevents unintentional rotation of the lock pin so that the lock pin is trapped in the aperture of the wear member, preventing its unintentional removal.

Starting with FIG. 1, an example of a work implement assembly 100 may take the form of a bucket assembly 100’ that may be used by a wheel loader and that includes an enclosure 101 that defines an opening 102 that communicates with a generally enclosed interior. Starting from the rear of the bucket assembly 100 as shown in FIG. 1, the bucket assembly 100 includes a curved shell profile 104, which is attached to a rear wall 106 at the top end of the shell 104. The other end of the shell is attached to the bottom plate 108 of the assembly 100. A top plate 110 is attached to the top end of the rear wall 106. The top plate 110 transitions to a spill guard 112 that is designed to funnel material into the interior of the bucket and prevent material from spilling out of the bucket. Reinforcing ribs 118 are provided that are attached to the top plate 110 and the spill guard 112, providing reinforcement for strength. Two substantially flat end plates 114 are attached to the side edges of the spill guard 112, top plate 110, rear wall 106, bottom plate 108 and shell 104.

A side edge assembly 115 is attached to each end plate 114 while a front edge assembly 116 is attached to the front edge of the bottom plate 108 of the bucket assembly 100. The front edge assembly 116 includes a base edge 117 that is attached to the bottom plate 108, a plurality of center adapters 118 attached to the base edge 117, and a plurality of tips 200 (may also be referred to as tools, teeth, wear members, etc.) with each one of the plurality of tips 200 being attached to one of the plurality of center adapters 118. Also, two corner adapters 120 are also attached to the base edge and the side edges 122 of the bucket assembly 100’. Tip 200 may also be attached to the corner adapters 120.

Moreover, a plurality of base edge protectors 124 are also provided with each one of the base edge protectors 124 positioned between center adapters 120 and between a center adapter 120 and a corner adapter 120. A side edge protector 126 is also provided that is attached to the side edge 122 proximate to a corner adapter 120.

It is to be understood that the work implement assembly may take other forms other than a bucket assembly including rake assemblies, shear assemblies, etc. In addition, a differently configured bucket that is meant to be used by an excavator may also use various embodiments of a tip, a retaining mechanism, an adapter, a spring, a spring retaining block, a retaining block with a spring subassembly, an adapter subassembly, and a tip and adapter assembly, etc. as will be discussed herein.

A tip and adapter assembly constructed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2 thru 4, 6, and 14 thru 22.

Starting with FIGS. 2 thru 4, a tip and adapter assembly 150 may comprise a tip 200 (may be referred to more generally as a wear member 200a, that may take different forms including edge protector, shroud, cutting edge, compacting pad, etc.) that includes a body that defines a direction of assembly 202, a vertical axis 204 that is perpendicular to the direction of assembly 202, and a lateral axis 206 that is perpendicular to the vertical axis 204 and the direction of assembly 202.

The body of the tip 200 may include a forward working portion 208 disposed along the direction of assembly 202 including a closed end 210, as well as a rear attachment portion 212 that is disposed along the direction of assembly 202 including an open end 214.

The rear attachment portion 212 may define an exterior surface 216, and an adapter nose receiving pocket 218 extending along the direction of assembly 202 from the open end 214. A retaining mechanism receiving aperture 220 is in communication with the adapter nose receiving pocket 218, and the exterior surface 216. A first ledge 222 may be disposed in this aperture defining a first lateral undercut(s) 224 (see also FIG. 6) for receiving a portion of the retaining mechanism in a manner that will be discussed later herein. Referring now to FIGS. 2 thru 6, the assembly 150 may further comprise an adapter 300 (or may be referred to more generally as a base 300a) that includes a body comprising a nose portion 302 that is configured to fit within the adapter nose receiving pocket 218 of the tip 200. The body (or more specifically the nose portion 302) of the adapter 300 includes an outer surface 304 defining a polygonal retaining block receiving aperture 306, and a round pin receiving aperture 308 that is in communication with the polygonal retaining block receiving aperture 306.

More specifically as shown best in FIG. 6, the adapter 300 may have a polygonal retaining block receiving aperture 306 that at least partially forms a counterbore 310 with a round pin receiving aperture 308 at its bottom. The round pin receiving aperture is blind and at least partially conical, but this may not be the case in other embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, this aperture may be a thru-aperture that extends through the nose of the adapter, or may have another shape such as square provided that clearance is present between the lock pin 500 and the walls of this aperture to allow the lock pin 500 to rotate, etc.

Focusing on FIG. 5, the polygonal retaining block receiving aperture 306 may define a perimeter 311 having an octagonal configuration. More specifically, the octagonal configuration includes a first side 312 (or surface), a second side 312a (or surface) that is parallel to the first side 312, a third side 314 (or surface) that is perpendicular to the first side 312, and a fourth side 314a (or surface) that is perpendicular to the second side 312a.

Also, a first angled surface 315 that is oblique to the first side 312, a second angled surface 316, that is oblique to the second side 312a, a third angled surface 316a that is oblique to the third side 314, and a fourth angled surface 316b that is oblique to the fourth side 314a. As shown in FIG. 5, the first angled surface 315 is differently configured than the second angled surface 316, the third angled surface 316a, and the fourth angled surface 316b. For example, the first angled surface 315 has more surface area and is at a different angle. This feature may provide a poka-yoke so that the angular orientation of the retaining block 400 (so called since it retains the spring 600) as well as the spring 600 is correct.

Referring to both FIGS. 5 and 10, the retaining block 400 also has matching or complementarily shaped sides and surfaces (at least partially) to fit in the aperture. More particularly, the retaining block has a first side 412 that mates with its counterpart (i.e., 312 and so on) of the aperture, as well as a second side 412a, a third side 414a, and a fourth side 414a.

These surfaces mate or contact their counterparts for at least two reasons. First, this contact may help to provide a slight press fit between the retaining block and the adapter to help hold the retaining block in the aperture of the adapter in order to ease assembly. To that end, both sets of surfaces (for both the retaining block and those of the aperture of the adapter) are drafted or tapered by .5 degrees (see FIGS. 6 and 11) or more so that the retaining block may be removed from the adapter when the block or spring need replacement. Second, this contact helps to prevent undesirable slop or rotation of the retaining block or spring in use when the lock pin is rotated.

In addition as understood by looking at FIG. 5 and FIG. 10 together, the retaining block 400 includes a first angled surface 415 that is spaced away from its counterpart (i.e., 315 and so on) of the aperture to provide a gap, as well as a second angled surface 416, a third angled surface 416a, and 416b (also spaced away from their counterparts. As a result, the retaining block when disposed in the polygonal retaining block receiving aperture contacts the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side, but does not contact the first angled surface, the second angled surface, the third angled surface, and the fourth angled surface for various reasons including providing corner relief.

Looking at FIG. 9, the retaining block 400 defines a central pin receiving aperture 402, and a spring receiving aperture 404 that extends from the central pin receiving aperture 402 toward an exterior or perimeter of the retaining block 400. A spring 600 may be disposed in the central pin receiving aperture 402, and the spring receiving aperture 404 after assembly (see FIG. 10). The lock pin 500 may be disposed in the central pin receiving aperture 402 (e.g., see FIG. 22), and the lock pin 500 may define a notch 502 that receives the spring 600.

In FIG. 4, it can be seen that the tip 200 may further comprise a first ejector ramp 226 extending circumferentially away from a first tab receiving slot 228 to an exterior of the first ledge 222. The first ledge 222 may extend circumferentially from a first stop 230 to the first tab receiving slot 228 that is spaced circumferentially away the first stop 230 (see FIG. 21). This slot 228 may be exposed to an exterior of the wear member (e.g., tip 200), which is defined by a second ledge 232 (see also FIG. 22) that is spaced axially inwardly from the first ledge 222 toward the adapter nose receiving pocket 228. The nose receiving pocket may be defined by an interior surface that lacks grooves. This may not be the case in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Looking at FIGS. 21 and 22, the lock pin 500 may include a first tab 504 that is disposed circumferentially adjacent the first stop 230, and laterally in the first lateral undercut 224, and a second tab 506 that is spaced circumferentially away from the first tab 504 being disposed axially adjacent the second ledge 232 in the first tab receiving slot 228. Also, the lock pin 500 defines a notch 502 spaced axially (along the axis of rotation 238) away from the first tab 504, and the second tab 506 toward the adapter nose receiving pocket 218 of the tip 200. This notch is also diametrically opposite of a ramp surface of the lock pin as will discussed later herein.

As best seen in FIGS. 23 thru 25, the lock pin 500 includes a cylindrical surface 508 from which the first tab 504, and the second tab 506 radially extend. The lock pin 500 includes a conical surface 510 that defines the notch 502. The second tab 506 may be disposed axially nearer the exterior surface of the wear member than the first tab 504 as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21.

During assembly, the lock pin 500 may be inserted into the retaining mechanism receiving aperture 220 of the tip 200 as shown in FIG. 14 until the first tab 504 of the lock pin 500 is in the first tab receiving slot 228 of the tip, and contacting the second ledge 232 as shown in FIG. 17. The lock pin 500 is then rotated clockwise until the first tab 504 is hidden or caught underneath the first ledge 222 in its undercut 224 as shown in FIG. 19.

As the rotation occurs, the ramp surface 512 (see also FIG. 23) of the lock pin 500 draws the lock pin 500 axially further into the central pin receiving aperture 402 of the retaining block 400, and the round pin receiving aperture 308 of the adapter 300. At this time, the second tab 506 moves into the first tab receiving slot 228. Also, the rotation results in the spring 600 engaging a flat surface 514 of the notch 502 of the lock pin 500, holding the lock pin 500 in a locked configuration (see FIG. 22). It should be noted that the first stop 230 prevents the lock pin from over rotating in the clockwise direction. Now, the lock pin 500 cannot be removed axially due to the entrapment of the first tab in the undercut formed by the first ledge, and the tip cannot be removed from the adapter unless the pin is rotated a sufficient amount in the counterclockwise direction.

Now a wear member 200a that may be provided as a replacement or retrofit in the field will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 2 thru 4.

The wear member 200a may have a body that defines a longitudinal axis (e.g., may be the same as the direction of assembly 202), a vertical axis 204 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a lateral axis 206 that is perpendicular to the vertical axis 204 and the longitudinal axis.

The body may include a forward wear portion 208a that is disposed along the longitudinal axis (see direction of assembly 202), and a rear attachment portion 212 disposed along the longitudinal axis including an open end 214.

The rear attachment portion 212 may have an exterior surface 216 with an adapter nose receiving pocket 218 extending longitudinally from the open end 214, and a retaining mechanism receiving aperture 220 extending from the exterior surface 216 through the body to the adapter nose receiving pocket 218. A first ledge 222 (may also be referred to as a rib) may define a first lateral undercut 224 in the retaining mechanism receiving aperture 220 in a manner previously described herein. In FIG. 14, the retaining mechanism receiving aperture 220 may define an axis of rotation 238, a surface of revolution (e.g., see 234, may be cylindrical or slightly conical, etc.), and a circumferential direction 236. As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 21, and the first ledge 222 may extend circumferentially from a first stop 230 to a first tab receiving slot 228 (e.g., may also be referred to as a tab entry slot since it is exposed to the exterior of the wear member) that is spaced circumferentially away the first stop 230. The first tab receiving slot 228 is also defined or limited axially by a second ledge 232 that is spaced axially inwardly from the first ledge 222 toward the adapter nose receiving pocket 218 (see also FIG. 22) (may also be referred to as a base projection receiving pocket).

In FIGS. 15 and 17, a first ejector ramp 242 may be provided that extends circumferentially away from the first tab receiving slot 228 opposite of the first ledge 222 to its exterior. Once the user wishes to remove the wear member, the user may rotate the lock pin 500 until its second tab 506 slides up this ejector ramp 226 that provides a prying force that may help to dislodge the wear member a little off of the adapter or base, while also ejecting or forcing the lock pin axially away from the retaining block 400 and spring 600.

Then, the lock pin 500 can then be removed from the assembly, allowing the tip or other wear member to be removed from the adapter or base since the first tab 504 is no longer caught in the undercut formed by the first ledge, but is disposed circumferentially in the first tab receiving slot 228 axially adjacent the second ledge 22a. This ejector ramp feature may be omitted in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

As alluded to earlier herein with reference to FIG. 21, the lock pin 500 may include a first tab 504 (may also be referred to as a first wing) that is disposed circumferentially adjacent the first stop 230 of the tip or wear member, and laterally or axially in the first lateral undercut 224 when in the locked configuration. At the same time, the second tab 506 (may also be referred to as a second wing) is spaced circumferentially away from the first tab being disposed axially or laterally adjacent the second ledge 222a of the first tab receiving slot 228. As best seen in FIG. 22, the lock pin 500 may define a notch 502 or other spring engaging feature (e.g., may be a slot or simply a flat surface, etc.) spaced axially away from the first tab 504 and the second tab 506 toward the adapter nose receiving pocket 218 of the tip 200 or other wear member. The lock pin 500 may include a cylindrical surface 508 (i.e., this surface as less than 2.0 degrees of draft or no draft at all) from which the first tab 504 and the second tab 506 radially extend.

On the other hand, the lock pin 500 may also include a conical surface 510 (i.e., this surface has 2.0 degrees of draft or more) that defines the notch 502. This may aid in the dislodgement and removal of the lock pin from the assembly. As seen in FIG. 21, the second tab 506 may be disposed axially nearer the exterior surface of the wear member 200a than the first tab 504.

Unlike some prior designs, the interior surface of the adapter nose receiving pocket lacks grooves for receiving retention nubs or the like of an adapter or base. Likewise, its exterior surface may lack ears for housing the apertures and the retaining mechanism that may be disposed therein. This may not be the case for other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Now an adapter 300 (may also be referred to as a base 300a) that may be used as replacement part or a retrofit in the field will be described with continued reference to FIGS. 2 thru 4.

The adapter 300 may comprise a body including a nose portion 302 having an external surface (e.g., see outer surface 304 in FIG. 4) defining a polygonal retaining block receiving aperture 306 with a bottom seat surface 318 (see FIG. 6), and a round pin receiving aperture 308 that extends from the bottom seat surface 318 (which may be flat).

As mentioned previously herein the body may lack a nub or any projection extending from the external surface or outer surface or at least not one that is close to or immediately adjacent the aperture (not forming a boundary of the aperture). More specifically, the body may lack a nub or any projection extending from the external surface adjacent to the round retaining mechanism receiving aperture 306, making the design easier to manufacture and less complicated.

As also alluded to earlier herein, and best seen in FIG. 5, the polygonal retaining block receiving aperture 306 may be asymmetrical about a plane 320 containing the axis of rotation 332, and the round pin receiving aperture 308 may be radially offset a minimum dimension 322 (see FIG. 6) on a plane coextensive with the bottom seat surface 318 from a perimeter 311 of the polygonal retaining block receiving aperture 306.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure as seen in FIG. 6, this minimum dimension 322 may range from 0.0 mm to 25.0 mm, or 10.0 mm to 75.0 mm. Also, the round pin receiving aperture 308 may define a maximum diameter 326 that may range from 4.0 mm to 40.0 mm, or 10.0 mm to 50.0 mm. Moreover, the polygonal retaining block receiving aperture 306 may define a first axial depth 328 that ranges from 15.0 mm to 60.0 mm, or 20.0 mm to 150.0 mm, whereas the round pin receiving aperture 308 defines a second axial depth 330 that is less than the first axial depth (may range from 3.0 mm to 25.0 mm, or 10.0 mm to 50.0 mm). Other dimensional ranges are possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Looking at FIG. 22, the round pin receiving aperture 308 may define an axis of rotation 332, and the polygonal retaining block receiving aperture 306 may be centered on the axis of rotation 332. This may not be the case for other embodiments of the present disclosure. The counterbore 310 includes a surface of non-revolution (i.e., the perimeter 311 of the polygonal retaining block receiving aperture, the surface of non-revolution may include one or more planar surfaces, or one or more valleys), and a surface of revolution 338 (e.g., may be cylindrical or conical) extending below the surface of nonrevolution. The surface of revolution 338 defines a radial direction 340, and the surface of revolution is radially inwardly offset from the surface of nonrevolution.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the adapter 300 may also include an attachment portion 333 extending from the nose portion 302 (or throat portion 334) that may include one or two legs 336, 336a or straps. Other methods of attaching the adapter or base to a work implement such as a bucket may be employed in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Put in other terms, a base 300a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a body including a nose portion 302 having an external surface (e.g., outer surface 304) defining an at least partially non-circular retaining block receiving aperture (e.g., see 306 in FIG. 5) at the external surface with a bottom seat surface 318 ( see FIG. 6) that is spaced away from the external surface, and a circular pin receiving aperture (e.g., see 308) that extends from the bottom seat surface 318. More particularly, the circular pin receiving aperture extends from the bottom seat surface to a bottom extremity 342. This may not be the case for other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Next, various embodiments of a retaining mechanism 160 or lock assembly will be discussed that may include a lock pin, a retaining block, and a spring.

Starting with FIGS. 23 thru 25, the lock pin 500 of the retaining mechanism may include a drive portion 516, and a spring engaging portion 518 axially extending from the drive portion. The drive portion 516 may include a polygonal aperture 520, as well as a surface of revolution (e.g., the cylindrical surface 508, or a conical surface) that defines an axis of rotation 522, a radial direction 524, and a circumferential direction 526. The spring engaging portion 518 may include a circumferential surface 528 with at least one depression (e.g., see notch 502) disposed on the circumferential surface 528.

The polygonal aperture 520 may be separated from the depression by a predetermined axial distance 530 (see FIG. 22). Also, a first side tab (e.g., see first tab 504) may extend radially and circumferentially from the drive portion 516 that is at least partially axially aligned with the polygonal aperture 520. Specifically, the lock pin defines a first axial end 532, the polygonal aperture 520 extends from the first axial end 532, while the first side tab (e.g., see first tab 504) may be disposed axially away from the first axial end 532 a first axial distance 534. In addition as illustrated in FIG. 23, the first side tab defines a circumferential extent 536, a radial dimension 538, and an axial thickness 540 that is less than at least one of the circumferential extent 536, and the radial dimension 538, or both. A second side tab (e.g., see second tab 506, whose ratio of dimensions may be similar to those of the first side tab) may extend radially from the lock pin 500, and may be disposed at the first axial end 532.

The lock pin 500 may also include a ramp surface 512 (may be on the diametrically opposite side of the notch 502) that extends circumferentially and axially from the first side tab 504 to the second side tab 506 to aid in seating the pin during use as previously described herein. Also, the lock pin 500 may define a second axial end 542 as best seen in FIGS. 24 and 25, and may further include a blend 544 such as a radius that connects the circumferential surface 528 to the second axial end 542. This blend 544 may help to aid in installation of the lock pin 500, and compression of the spring 600 during the installation. To that end, a bevel portion 545 may also be provided that extends circumferentially from the blend, and axially from the circumferential surface. In some embodiments, the bevel portion may comprise a conical surface that is more drafted (higher drafter angle), than the conical surface 510 that extends circumferentially completely around the pin. In such a case, the blend may be smaller or even eliminated.

As mentioned earlier herein, the circumferential surface 528 is drafted (may be less than the draft of the bevel portion), and a chisel notch 546 as depicted in FIG. 23 (e.g., forming a chisel edge 548) may be disposed circumferentially between the first side tab, and the second side tab. This feature may help to break-up packed material during counterclockwise rotation of the lock pin, but may be omitted in other embodiments of the present disclosure. The bevel portion 545 may be at least partially circumferentially aligned with the first side tab or the second side tab as shown in FIG. 25. Also, the bevel portion may be circumferentially out of phase with the depression on the circumferential surface a predetermined amount such as 60.0 degrees to 120.0 degrees (e.g., about 90.0 degrees as shown in the FIG. 25). In FIGS. 7 thru 11, the retaining block 400 includes an outer perimeter 406 that has a surface of non-revolution (e.g., a surface that is faceted such as shown in FIG. 10 including the first side 412, the second side 412a, third side 414, a fourth side 414a, etc.), a pin receiving aperture (e.g., the central pin receiving aperture 402) defining an inner surface 418 that is inwardly offset (for example radially inwardly offset) from the surface of non-revolution. The inner surface may be smooth as shown, but may be threaded in other embodiments in order to allow a fastener to be used as a tool to insert or extract the block from the adapter. Also, the inner surface 418 may be tapered or drafted at a greater angle than the surface of non-revolution (e.g., 2.0 degrees or greater as compared to less than 2.0 degrees). The added draft may help allow the lock pin to be dislodged from retaining block without dislodging the retaining block from the adapter.

Also, a spring receiving aperture 404 may extend from the surface of non-revolution to the inner surface. The spring receiving aperture 404 may include a T-shape. Other shapes are possible for the spring receiving aperture in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

In addition as seen in FIG. 10, a spring 600 with a pair of attachment flanges 602, 602a may be attached to the retaining block 400. At least one of the pair of attachment flanges 602, 602a may be brazed to one of a pair of spring attachment surfaces 420, 420a. Once attached, the spring 600 may extend through spring receiving aperture (e.g., through the central groove 421 that is straddled by the spring attachment surfaces) into the pin receiving aperture (e.g., see 402) past the inner surface 418 of the pin receiving aperture. During the brazing process, a pair of protrusions or dimples that will be discussed momentarily may help provide a capillary action to provide a robust joint between the spring and the retaining block.

As best seen in FIG. 11, the surface of non-revolution includes a flared portion 422 that is disposed axially adjacent the spring receiving aperture 404 having a greater draft angle (e.g., 5.0 degrees or greater) than a remainder of the surface of non-revolution (e.g., less than 2.0 degrees). This flared portion may help prevent packing of material into the spring receiving aperture. Also, the flared portion may allow a pry bar or other tool to help pry the retaining block out of the adapter since it is adjacent to the pry slot 344 of the adapter (see FIG. 4). This feature may be omitted in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Focusing now on FIGS. 12 and 13, the spring 600 may include an apex plateau member 604 (so called since this member forms the furthest portion of the spring relative to the attachment flanges 602, 602a), a first undulating side member 606 extending from the apex plateau member, a second undulating side member 606a extending from the apex plateau surface, as well as a first attachment flange 602 extending from the first undulating side member 606, and a second attachment flange 602 extending from the second undulating side member 606a. These flanges may be omitted in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

The first attachment flange 602 may include a first attachment surface 608 with a first protrusion 610 (e.g., a shelled out or hollow dome), as well as a second attachment flange 602a with a second attachment surface 608a with a second protrusion 610a. It should be noted that these protrusions look like dimples when viewed from the back side as seen in FIG. 7. The attachment surfaces may be parallel and/or coextensive to each other as shown, and may also be parallel to the apex plateau member (e.g., its contact surface 618, so called since this surface rests against the lock pin). This may not be the case in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

In FIG. 13, it can be seen that first undulating side member 606 may include a first peak 612 that is adjacent to the apex plateau member 604, and a first valley 614 that is adjacent to the first attachment flange 602. That is to say, the first peak is closer to the apex plateau member as compared to the first attachment flange, etc. The spring defines one or more planes of symmetry 616, 616a (this may not be the case for other embodiments). Other configurations a possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure. The spring may be made from spring steel and formed by being stamped and folded such as by a progressive die, etc. Again, it should be noted that any of the dimensions, angles, surface areas and/or configurations of various features may be varied as desired or needed including those not specifically mentioned herein. Although not specifically discussed, blends such as fillets are shown to connect the various surfaces. These may be omitted in other embodiments and it is to be understood that their presence may be ignored sometimes when reading the present specification unless specifically mentioned.

Industrial Applicability

In practice, a machine, a work implement assembly, a tip, a wear member, an adapter, a base, an adapter assembly, a tip and adapter assembly, a spring, a lock pin, a retaining block, a retaining mechanism, and/or any combination of these various assemblies and components may be manufactured, bought, or sold to retrofit a machine or a work implement assembly in the field in an aftermarket context, or alternatively, may be manufactured, bought, sold or otherwise obtained in an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) context.

Any of the aforementioned components may be made from any suitable material including iron, grey-cast iron, steel, spring steel, plastic, rubber, foam, etc.

A retainer assembly for a tip of a ground engaging tool (GET) or other wear member has been disclosed. The retainer assembly may include a tapered pin and a retention block including a spring disposed therein. The retention block may be disposed inside an adapter pocket, and may include a flat contact surface configured to be engaged with the adapter pocket, thereby maximizing contact area, and reducing adapter wear. In operation, the tip slides on to the adapter and the tapered pin is inserted into a slots or openings of the tip and the retention block. Next, the tapered pin is rotated clockwise, thereby locking the tip and the adapter. Further, the tapered pin is configured to interact with the spring of the retention block, thereby providing an anti-rotation feature. Then, the pin is rotated in opposite direction such that a ramp feature of the tip engages with the pin (or vice versa), thereby ejecting the pin from the tip of the GET. Once the pin is removed, the tip may be removed from the adapter.

The spring may have formed punches that allow capillary action for a stronger joint when brazed to the block. The symmetrical bend in the side legs such as in their rear may help provide for a linear motion during the compression of the spring. The flat front surface of the spring interacts with the pin to create a resistance to rotation of the pin.

The pin may have a square drive hole used to rotated the pin from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, or vice versa. A flat surface (may be inset in a notch) may interact with the spring to help create a resistance to rotation of the pin. The round at the bottom of the pin may help reduce stresses, while the taper of the bottom of the pin may help the pin be ejected upon rotation of the pin.

When the pin is rotated into a locked position, the user may have tactile, visual, and/or audible feedback that the tip or other wear member is locked onto the adapter or base. The tactile feedback may be the feeling of the spring snapping into place in the notch of the pin and/or the first tap hitting the stop of the tip. The visual feedback may be the fact that the first tab is no longer seen. The audible feedback may be the “clicking” sound when the spring snaps into the notch.

In some embodiments, the block and spring will be provided with the spring already attached to the block. Also, the threaded or ramp features of the pin and the tip are near or at the exterior of the assembly, allowing easier cleaning or removal of packed material that could impede the function of the retaining mechanism for some embodiments of the present disclosure.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed assembly and technique. However, it is contemplated that other implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the disclosure or examples thereof are intended to reference the particular example being discussed at that point and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure more generally. All language of distinction and disparagement with respect to certain features is intended to indicate a lack of preference for those features, but not to exclude such from the scope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise indicated.

For example, the embodiments of the tip and adapter assembly 150a, and the retaining mechanism 160a that are disclosed in FIGS. 26 thru 52 are similarly or identically configured as those discussed in FIGS. 1 thru 23 except for the following differences or variations.

As shown in FIGS. 30, 38 and 41, the polygonal retaining block receiving aperture 306a of the adapter 300b lacks a bottom pin receiving aperture (see 308 in FIG. 6), and the wear member 200b or tip has a retaining mechanism receiving aperture 220a that lacks threads or other undercuts (see also FIG. 27) such as described earlier herein.

As best seen in FIGS. 29 and 30, this embodiment includes a pry slot 344 that extends from a side of the polygonal retaining block receiving aperture 306a that may be in communication with an associated feature (see side slot 424 of the retaining block 400a as best seen in FIGS. 31 and 35). These features may be used to help pry the retaining block out of the adapter if desired for maintenance or the like. The retaining block may also have a flared portion in addition to or in lieu of the side slot to aid in removal. Any of these pry features may be omitted in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Unlike what has been previously described herein, the retaining block 400a shown in FIGS. 34, 35, and 38 may define a threaded pin receiving aperture 426 with a radial direction 428, a circumferential direction 430, and an axis of rotation 432. A spring receiving notch 434 may be disposed in the threaded pin receiving aperture 426.

A C-spring 700 may be disposed in the threaded pin receiving aperture 426, and the spring receiving notch 434. Also, a threaded lock pin 800 may be disposed in the threaded pin receiving aperture 426, defining a spring receiving groove 802 that receives the C-spring 700 as shown in FIGS. 32, 33, and 38. Looking at FIG. 38 39, the C-spring 700 may define an inner diameter 702, while the spring receiving groove 802 may define an outer diameter 804 that is greater than the inner diameter 702. This may provide circumferential friction between the C-spring and the threaded lock pin, reducing the likelihood of unwanted rotation when the threaded lock pin is fully inserted and rotated into the retaining block.

Moreover, the spring receiving notch 434 may define a C-shape with a first circumferential end surface 436, and a second circumferential end surface 436a that are spaced away from each other and slightly from the circumferential ends of the C-spring, create slight clearance 439. Also, an outer circumferential surface 438 of the C-shape of the notch is spaced radially away from the C-spring 700, providing clearance 440 therebetween. These clearances 439, 440 may allow the C-spring to flex outwardly as the pin passes thru the C- spring, and the retaining block as illustrated in FIGS. 49 thru 51, while also limiting circumferential rotation of the C-spring.

Turning now to FIGS. 32 and 33 , the threaded lock pin 800 of the retaining mechanism 160a may comprise a drive portion 806, a threaded portion 808, and a spring engaging portion 810. More specifically, the drive portion may include a surface of revolution 812 (e.g., an outer circumferential surface such as a cylindrical surface, a conical surface, etc.) defining a radial direction 814, a circumferential direction 816, and an axis of rotation 818. The drive portion 806 may be spaced axially away from the threaded portion 808, and the threaded portion 808 may be spaced away may be spaced axially away from the spring engaging portion 810.

In particular embodiments of the present disclosure, the threaded portion 808 includes a male thread 820 such as a lead screw thread, or other type of thread that extends 180 degrees about the axis of rotation 818, or less. This may allow the thread to work properly, but ease in the manufacture of the thread via a casting process.

Also, the drive portion may define a polygonal surface 821 (may be an internal flat surface) that is configured to be driven by a wrench or the like. The drive portion 806 may define a drive portion diameter 822, while the spring engaging portion 810 defines a spring engaging portion diameter 824 that is less than the drive portion diameter 822. For example, the diameter of the pin may flare (see 826) outwardly somewhere axially between the ends of the pin. The flare and the difference in diameter may be omitted in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

More specifically, the drive portion 806 may be disposed at a first axial end 830 of the pin, while the spring engaging portion 810 may be disposed at a second axial end 832 the pin. As a result, the threaded portion 808 may be disposed axially between the drive portion, and the spring engaging portion.

In addition, the spring engaging portion 810 may include a circumferential surface 828 that extends axially from the spring engaging portion 810 to the drive portion 806. Also, the circumferential surface 828 may be drafted as explained earlier herein to aid in release between the retaining block and the pin during disassembly or not.

As alluded to earlier herein, the spring engaging portion 810 defines may define a spring receiving groove 802 or notch that is spaced axially away from the first axial end 830. A first lead-in surface 834 may extend from the first axial end 830 to the spring receiving groove 802, while a second lead-in surface 836 may extend from the first lead-in surface 838 to the spring receiving groove 802. The first lead-in surface 834 may be configured to aid in spreading the C-spring 700 during rotation and insertion, while the second lead-in surface 836 may be configured to aid in the reverse process of pin extraction. These lead-in surfaces may be configured such that inserting the pin is easier than extracting the pin from the C-spring. This may not be the case for other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Looking at FIGS. 34, and 35, the threaded retaining block 400a includes an outer perimeter 406a that has a surface of non-revolution (e.g., a flat surface such as 412, etc.), a pin receiving aperture (e.g., threaded pin receiving aperture 426) defining an inner surface 442 that is inwardly offset from the - l- surface of non-revolution, and a spring receiving notch disposed 434 that is disposed in or in communication with the pin receiving aperture.

The threaded pin receiving aperture 426 may define a female thread 444 such as a lead screw thread as shown or some other type of thread. More particularly as best seen in FIGS. 34, 35 and 52, the female thread 444 extends from the first axial end 446 toward the second axial end 448, terminating short of the second axial end 448, whereas the spring receiving notch 434 is disposed axially adjacent to the second axial end 448, while also being spaced axially away from the female thread 444.

This embodiment of the threaded retaining block lacks a flared portion since the C-spring 700 is disposed in the interior of the block, protecting it naturally.

Focusing now on FIGS. 36 and 37, the C-spring 700 may include a pin engaging inner circumferential surface 704 defining a radial direction 706, a circumferential direction 708, and an axis of pin insertion 710 (may be coincident with the axis of rotation once inserted into the retaining block). A first circumferential end surface 712, and a second circumferential end surface 712a may help define the C-shape of the spring. A first axial lead-in surface 714 may extend axially from the pin engaging inner circumferential surface 704 toward the outer circumferential surface 716, as well as circumferentially from the first circumferential end surface 712 to the second circumferential end surface 712a.

Also, the C-spring 700 may define a first axial end 718, and a second axial end 720. The first axial lead-in surface 714 may be disposed at the first axial end 718, whereas a sharp corner 722 (i.e., there is no lead-in surface) is disposed at the second axial end 720 between the pin engaging inner circumferential surface 704, and an annular axial end surface 724.

The C-spring 700 may also define a spring circumferential extent 726 measured from the first circumferential end surface 712 to the second circumferential end surface 712a that is less than 360.0 degrees, but greater than 180.0 degrees. More specifically, the spring circumferential extent 726 may range from less than 270.0 degrees but greater than 180.0 degrees (e.g., about 260.0 degrees). Also, the C-spring 700 may define an axial thickness 728 measured from the first axial end 718 to the second axial end 720 that ranges from 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm in some embodiments of the present disclosure. These dimensions may provide the requisite size, strength, spring constant, and flexibility for certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Ratios of any of these dimensions may range 20% from the median values of the dimensional ranges. These ratios may allow the design to be scaled up or down depending on the application.

One of the differences between the embodiments of FIGS. 26 thru 52 and the earlier embodiments is that all the complex geometric features have been relocated from the tip or adapter into the smaller pieces: block, spring, pin. This may allow the large tip and adapter castings to be simpler for ease of manufacturing and reduced cost.

While the embodiments discussed herein show a single sided locking arrangement, double sided locking arrangements are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

The circumferential spring clip as mentioned herein might be under slight tension even when in the locking groove to minimize “loose” feeling to the system.

The locking pin(s) described herein may be flush to recessed with respect to the tip, or wear member in some embodiments of the present disclosure to help protect the pin(s) from wear. This might not be the case for other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Spring clip(s) of any of the embodiments discussed herein may be installed in the retaining block at factory similar to a snap ring. Snap ring plier may be used to retract the clip inward radially to shrink its outer diameter, placed in a groove in the retaining block, then the plier is released and the spring clip expands into its receiving groove in the block. The end user may only need to insert block & spring/clip as a complete assembly into the adapter.

The lock pin for the later embodiments may bottom out on the adapter to provide a sense to the user that the system is locked. There may also be a hear a click and vibration as the spring clip falls into the groove of the lock pin.

For various embodiments of the present disclosure, the assembly process may comprise creating the retaining block/spring assembly step at the supplier or at the factory. The clip/spring will be compressed inward using a snap ring tool, and then positioned in line with the appropriate corresponding groove on the block. When the snap ring tool is released, the spring clip will expand radially outward into the groove in the block. The clip/spring and block are now a self-contained assembly.

The adapter, base or work tool may have a simple octagonal hole with a minor draft for casting. The second step of assembly, but first step for the end user, may be to insert the block and clip/spring assembly into the hole on the adapter. Then, the GET may be fully slid over the adapter nose or work tool and block & clip spring assembly. Next, the retaining pin may be inserted in the hole in the GET until the threading on the retaining pin engages with the threading on the block. Then, a standard tool can be inserted into the square drive to rotate the pin anywhere from 45 to 360 degrees (depending on design/application). As the pin rotates, it threads deeper into the block. As the pin moves inward, it will eventually engage with the spring clip and expand it radially outward. After the required rotation, the thread of the pin or the bottom of the pin will reach a physical stop. Simultaneously, the spring clip will "snap" into a retaining groove on the retainer pin. The user may hear and feel the click and feel the physical stop to know the system is locked. Once locked, the GET is ready for use. Uninstallation is simply the reverse of installation. The block and spring/clip are intended to be re-used. But if needed, there is a pry out feature on the block and/or the adapter to facilitate removal.

As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has”, “have”, “having”, “with” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of the apparatus and methods of assembly as discussed herein without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention(s). Other embodiments of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the various embodiments disclosed herein. For example, some of the equipment may be constructed and function differently than what has been described herein and certain steps of any method may be omitted, performed in an order that is different than what has been specifically mentioned or in some cases performed simultaneously or in sub-steps. Furthermore, variations or modifications to certain aspects or features of various embodiments may be made to create further embodiments and features and aspects of various embodiments may be added to or substituted for other features or aspects of other embodiments in order to provide still further embodiments.

Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.